Chanel Holiday 2011 includes a limited edition Liquid Eyelines in Or ($32 / Ligne Extreme Or). The packaging and formula are very similar to the liquid liner released earlier this year in Onyx (reviewed here). The packaging is classic Chanel, and the brush pen is fine-tipped. The formula is sufficiently pigmented to give an opaque finish in a single coat. If you use this type of pen, you know you need to go in confident. Little mis-steps show and require correction (a Q-Tip touched in Lancome Bi-Facil Eye Makeup Remover does the trick).

The color does not work for everyone, and certainly doesn’t work for me. Although called “Or,” (which translates to “gold” in French), the color delivers an intense shimmery deep yellow. My sense is that this color may work for light carmel-toned skins, and will look magnificent on deep skin tones. There may be lighter toned skin tones that prefer a dramatic flash. But Liz and I couldn’t handle this color in any way, shape or form. Although my returns every year are typically fewer than the number of fingers on one hand, Liquid Eyeliner in Or was returned yesterday.

Great formula. Great execution. Like Chanel Eyeshadow in Blazing Gold (reviewed here), Chanel Liquid Eyelines in Or was far too yellow to warrant the label “gold.” The color just does not work for me.

Chanel has released a new liquid eyeliner, Linge Extreme Liquid Eye Lines ($32). This is an entirely new format for Chanel, using a traditional brush style in a sleek black tube.

Open:

I’m used to working with a pen-brush style, having used up two of Chanel’s previously released liquid liners and those of other brands. This style is very simple to use–really, it’s as simple as brushing a line against the lid. To do so, one must have the “courage of one’s convictions” (as Julia Child said) to get the line straight. I go in confident, do the line with even pressure and fill in quickly if I’ve missed a corner.

The ink dries quickly, under 30 seconds. If you go ‘over’ or stagger the line, it comes off easily with an oil cleanser or eye makeup remover (Lancome Bi Facial on a Qtip, for example). Some women use this is short, tiny brushstrokes close together to achieve the solid line; personally, I just go for it in one long, straight line that hugs the lashline.

The formula of Chanel Ligne Extreme is excellent–it’s a rich, deep line that lasts all day without smudging or flaking. As with any liquid liner, the result is sharp and dramatic. Some will not be comfortable with this format, and I do recommend practicing on the back of your hand first if you are not comfortable with liquid liners. Here is a quick swatch next to Hourglass Script (review here).

As you can see, Chanel Liquid Eye Lines gives a strong back liquid line that dries down to a deep black. It’s a serious liner for a seriously sexy eye.